Historical Context

The salmon canning industry was a vital part of the economy along the West Coast of the United States, particularly during the mid-1800s. While today, tuna dominates the canned fish market, salmon was once a staple, especially canned varieties from Alaska.

The Birth of Canning Operations

In the early 1860s, the first salmon cannery was established by brothers William and George Hume on the Sacramento River. They originally sold fresh and salted fish but soon transitioned to canning after acquiring the necessary materials from a fellow immigrant. This marked the beginning of a booming industry.

The Role of Immigrant Labor

Chinese laborers significantly contributed to the salmon canning industry after its inception, drawn by the employment opportunities after the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. The Hume brothers initially hired Chinese workers for their canning operations, recognizing their efficiency.

By the 1870s, a network of canneries had formed along the Columbia River, and the labor force comprised about 95% Chinese workers, who were paid low wages and subjected to harsh conditions.

Connections to California

San Francisco served as a central hub for the salmon canning industry, with major companies such as the Alaska Packers Association headquartered in the city. All components of the salmon harvesting and canning processes, including laborers and supplies, flowed through its port, enhancing its economic significance.

Life Aboard Canning Vessels

Much of the salmon was transported via vessels like the Star of Alaska, an 1886 sailing ship that played a key role in the trade. Workers lived under harsh conditions, often crowded below decks with little ventilation. Seasonal workers would travel to Alaska for weeks, enduring cramped quarters and working long hours in canneries after reaching their destination.

Technological Advancements and Changes

With the advent of mechanization in the early 1900s, many positions previously held by skilled laborers were supplanted by machines designed to enhance production efficiency. For instance, the introduction of the salmon butchering machine significantly reduced the reliance on manual labor, which had mostly been performed by Chinese workers.

As a result, by the 1920s and 1930s, labor dynamics shifted dramatically in the canneries as new waves of immigrants began filling the gaps left by those removed from the industry.

The Decline of Canning and Legacy

Over the decades, the salmon canning business began to decline, particularly after most companies merged into larger corporations. For example, the Alaska Packers Association became part of Del Monte and ceased operations in the early 1980s. Nowadays, the focus has shifted from canning to freezing salmon, reflecting changes in consumer preferences.